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National market update

Existing-Home Sales Improve in July, Prices Continue to Rise

WASHINGTON (August 22, 2012) – Sales of existing homes rose in July even with constraints of affordable inventory, and the national median price is showing five consecutive months of year-over-year increases, according to the National Association of Realtors®. More...
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Limited Inventory Capping Sales as 2nd Qtr Metro Area Prices Rise

WASHINGTON (August 9, 2012) – Median existing single-family home prices are rising in more metropolitan areas, but a lack of inventory – notably in lower price ranges – is limiting buyer choices in an increasing number of markets around the country, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors®. More...

Existing home median price ()

Housing Starts ()

New home sales ()

National economic indicators

Home ownership

2nd Qtr 12

65.5%

2nd Qtr 11

65.9%

The homeownership rate in the second quarter 2012 (65.5 percent) was lower than the second quarter 2011 rate (65.9 percent). The homeownership rate in the South was lower than the corresponding second quarter 2011 rate, while the rates in the Northeast, Midwest, and West were not statistically different.

New home sales

July 12

+3.6%

June 12

-3.5%

Sales of new single-family houses in July 2012 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 372,000. This is 3.6 percent (+/- 14.1%)* above the revised June 2012 estimate of 359,000.

Source: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

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Regional market updates

View market statistics for your region.

Click on the links below to view data from two different industry sources. Choose information on local prices & state sales from any of 178 metropolitan housing markets prepared by the National Association of REALTORS® or information on sales & price activity from local area markets in 25 states prepared by Clarus MarketMetrics.

Local Sales & Price Activity

Catherine Wintz

Home Ownership matters…to people, to communities, and to America. Why? • For every two homes sold, one job is created in the U.S. • Each purchase generates as much as $60,000 in economic activity over time. Read more

Buying is now cheaper than renting in 74 percent of the nation’s largest cities. Low home prices and “rock-bottom” interest rates as well as tax advantages of homeownership are the reasons why it’s now cheaper to BUY a 2-bdrm home than to rent one. Check out this CNN Money article with the details. Read more

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, statements and/or ideas expressed in this Message Section do not reflect the ideas, policy, position, views or opinion of Move,Inc.

Consumer tips & hot properties

Tips for Preventing Hurricane Damage to Your Roof

Preventing costly hurricane damage to your roof starts with basic maintenance that you can do yourself. More...Read more

Celebrity Homes with Star Quality Amenities

What amenities would you add to your home? See what some celebrities are enjoying inside their homes. More...
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Home Maintenance 101: 7 Things Every Home Owner Should Know

It’s back-to-school time, and the perfect season to bone up on your home owner basics: standard DIY know-how that’ll keep your household running smoothly, day in and day out. More...
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10 Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen

Maintaining your large kitchen appliances is part of a smart home energy efficiency plan. More...
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Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives: Ground Cover

If you want a yard that demands less time, money, and water, consider ground cover rather than a traditional lawn. More...
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Housing Trends eNewsletter is filled with U.S. Census Bureau key market indicators, consumer videos, blogs, a real estate glossary, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, real estate radio, realtor.com® local community reports and local and national real estate sales and price activity provided by local MLSs and the National Association of REALTORS®.

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